Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in floristry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Annie Tran-Shuttin, Owner of May Flowers, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a full-service florist and coffee shop located in Toronto, Canada. Our customers are our neighbourhood and people in Toronto who are looking for flowers that are unique, aesthetically designed, and easy to order and send as gifts.
Tell us about yourself
I'm also a floral designer, art enthusiast, coffee lover, and wannabe world traveler. I started May Flowers because I saw an industry that lacked an aesthetic and business model that spoke to a newer generation of consumers. At May Flowers, we focus on creative and artistic floral design, high-quality fresh-cut flowers, and an exceptional customer experience. We source locally-grown flowers when possible, supporting more than twenty Ontario farms and micro-farms.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a strong and reliable team.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding enough time in the day to do all the things you need or want to do, focusing on building a profitable business rather than getting distracted with shiny objects (social media, paid ads, collaborations, influencers, charities, brand partnerships, pop-up shops, trade shows, etc.) Also, learning the ins and outs of brick-and-mortar business (legal, HR, licenses, taxes, health and safety, etc.) has been an uphill battle but worth it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your research! Learn about your city's laws and regulations. Get started on the back-end stuff (it's a lot) before you jump in. And have all your paperwork, bookkeeping, and processes documented and organized because once you grow, it'll be harder to do all that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mayflowers.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayflowerstoronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayflowerstoronto/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annieshuttin/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.